My kids are grazers

My kids are grazers. They like to eat little meals throughout the day. My husband sets up these little ‘mezze’ style meals where he will make a plate for each of them with a variety of foods.

Here’s an example of one of the more popular plates:

Crackers
Cheese
Sliced cucumbers
Sliced kohlrabi
Halved tomatoes
Baby carrots
Sliced turkey sausage or pepperoni

Of course they don’t need a fork to eat this glorious ‘snack’ but they most definitely NEED a toothpick – it’s like they’re at a cocktail party without the booze. Sometimes he will make sandwiches and cut them into mini pieces with cucumber and celery on the side. This is also a big hit. Crusts and all.

They love it. They love looking at a plate with different foods on it (not touching of course) and they feel like they are snacking, not having an actual meal. Because sitting down to actually eat a meal labeled as Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner is a disaster in this house.

They have ants in their pants. They can’t sit still long enough to eat a ‘meal’. But if you make their meal look like little snacks they’re all over it. Like a bad rash.

Last night we had a ‘normal’ dinner. Well my husband and I did. The kids didn’t eat much, especially my 5yo. This is what happened at bedtime:

5yo: “Mommy!”

Me: “Yes? You’re supposed to be sleeping.”

5yo: “I have something to tell you and you’re not going to like it.”

Then – with the most serious face on the planet – he says,

“This is going to be a problem.”

At this point I’m thinking that something happened at school and that he needs a one on one conversation with me. I’m a little worried, but how wonderful that he wants to share an experience with me! It’s so important to keep the communication lines open.

“Mommy <dramatic pause> I’m hungry…”